MANILA, Philippines - In answer to calls for assistance in areas devastated by typhoon “Pablo,” The Philippine STAR and its sister companies have taken the lead in starting a fund drive and calling for donations to support relief efforts for victims of the calamity.
To date, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed the death toll from Pablo at 418 even as at least 383 remain missing while 445 are reported injured.
The widespread damage has prompted the NDRRMC to recommend the declaration of a state of national calamity to speed up relief efforts.
Among the early donors to The STAR’s fund drive for Pablo victims were Metrobank Foundation and The STAR publications. Adding their contributions were TGFHA, P50,000; K.L., P50,000; MGB, P50,000; E-Bros Group Foundation, P30,000; Pharmaworld Distribution Inc. of Lipa City, P20,000; and Linda’s Lechon Cebu, P5,000. The fund drive now totals P1.105 million.
The STAR’s social arm, Operation Damayan, is set to carry out its relief mission in worst-hit areas within the month following an ocular inspection scheduled next week.
The group of volunteer-employees of The STAR implements year-long projects that promote the corporate social responsibility of the country’s biggest newspaper group.
Interested donors are requested to deposit cash donations to: The Philippine STAR Operation Damayan c/o MBTC Aduana Branch Savings Account No. 151-304-161622-9 (kindly fax deposit slip to tel. no. 301-9598 c/o Operation Damayan). Donations may also be charged to RCBC Bankard or by using rewards points through www.rcbcbankard.com , iDonate or via Bankard’s customer service at 888-1888.
For inquiries, please call 527-7901 and look for Damayan head Emie Cruz, email contactus@philstar.com.ph or follow @philippinestar for updates via Twitter.